“It will, indeed,” agreed Douglas.
“Did you see Senator Carew before his death?”
“No, Mr. Secretary; I only reached Washington on Monday, the night of his murder.”
“It seems an outrage in these days of our boasted civilization that a man of such brilliant attainments, a man whose life is of benefit to his country, should be killed wantonly by a worthless, drunken negro,” exclaimed the Secretary, with much feeling.
“You believe, then, that Senator Carew was murdered by his servant?”
“I gathered that impression from the newspapers, and they all insist that the negro is guilty. Do you think otherwise?”
“I do.”
“And your reasons?”
“The use of the letter file, an extraordinary weapon for a negro coachman to use.”
“Is that your only reason for believing the negro innocent?" The Secretary’s piercing eyes studied Douglas’ face intently.